Trailblazer Tony Rossi earns honor

By Mike G. Morreale (NHL.com), 10/25/11, 2:45PM MDT

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After nearly five decades spent playing a significant role in the growth of hockey across the United States, it's easy to see why the sport has had such a profound effect on the everyday life of Tony Rossi.

"When life is over, I would hate to have a tombstone that said, 'He built a couple of nice buildings,' " Rossi told NHL.com.

"It was a surprise because you just go along doing what you do in life and, all of a sudden after all these years, you get a call from the Commissioner and he says you'll be awarded the Lester Patrick," Rossi, 70, said. "I've been to a number of these dinners and presentations for Ron DeGregorio and Art Berglund and you just never think of yourself in that category. But you realize you're getting to that age where you start to pick up an honor or two here or there."